More 3DS Specs/Info Surfaces

A few months ago we performed our own hardware analysis on the possible capabilities of the 3DS, using leaked specifications of the device in order to do so. However, there were some missing pieces to the puzzles: namely, the complete memory specifications of the console, and information pertaining to the internal battery of the system, both of which have now been revealed courtesy of a recent post on a Japanese gaming forum.

The previous specs for the 3DS included two ARM11 CPUs running at 266MHz, a DMP PICA200 GPU clocked at 133MHz, 4MB of VRAM dedicated to graphics, 64MBs of RAM, and 1.5GBs of flash memory for storage (512Mb of that reserved for the OS itself).

Today, it has been revealed that the machine actually has 96Mb of RAM (not including video memory), and a 1,300 mAh battery. By contrast the DS Lite features a 1,000 mAh battery, while the DSi has a 840 mAh one.

Hardly the stuff of revelation I might add, but it’s nice to finally gain a more accurate picture of just what the 3DS hardware is actually comprised of. All that’s left to find out now, is the bandwidth numbers of both the main memory, and the video RAM in direct connection with the GPU for final performance figures, which I expect will be more forthcoming once the machine is publicly available… perhaps.


Other than new info on the system’s internals, the forum post also showed off new images of the device, photographed by the user, displaying what looks like a revision of how specific buttons are placed on the final unit. Both the ‘Start’ and ‘Select’ Buttons, along with the ‘Home’ button now apparently lay flush with the rest of the system, rather than protruding out of it slightly. We can also see via the very same photo, how the unit stacks up against previous Nintendo handhelds, inc all NDS revisions, and the GameBoy Micro.


Outside of the various scattered leaks revealing the 3DS’ technical make-up, there is very little left to be revealed, other than final US and EU launch dates and price points. Day one software as well, has yet to be confirmed. Although, we do expect at least one of two high profile titles to be available at launch, along with a few additional third-party releases. All of that, and more, is expected to be revealed at an upcoming all-day event – set for January 19th - in which Nintendo should finally lift the veil on such details ahead of the machine’s Japanese release.